The Freelance Writers’ Guild of the Philippines (FWGP) is organizing a seminar with the Uni Global Union – Asia and the Pacific about the legal issues concerning freelance writers as well as discussion of the current environment of the freelance writers, i.e., the opportunities and challenges facing the freelance writers of the country. It will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at the University of the Philippines’ School of Labor and Industrial Relations in Diliman, Quezon City.

NOTES FROM FWGP PRESIDENT / FOUNDER:

Sometime in 2011, I traveled to Mindanao for work commissioned by an international humanitarian agency. There was unrest in the area at that time and I had to visit remote barangays to conduct interviews… without insurance coverage. Aside from that, my pay was delayed (nothing new) and my field allowance was given after I had returned from the field.

But it was not my first encounter with freelancer/consultant problems. I had been working as a freelance writer since 1996 and I actually have a full deck of sad/horror stories about the realities of freelancing in the PH. Frankly, I am sick of saying these things over and over, especially in my speaking engagements for the FWGP, an organization that I started right after the above-mentioned trip to Mindanao.

FF to 2019… nothing much has changed. The rates are still depressing, treatment is still shabby, many contracts are still one-sided. Yes, there are more opportunities now but there are way more freelance writers playing the field. Many of them are not even writers. (Sabi nga ni Mike Enriquez, Excuse me po!)

But you know, even this is okay. Live and let live, right? What I hate is the fact that there are just too many of us who take ridiculously low pay for the work. What is it again—pay peanuts, get monkeys? (Excuse me po ulit!) Seriously though, this practice is damaging to the industry.

I would like to believe that the Guild did its best to try and organize the freelance writers here, or at least to educate some of them (on costing, on their rights, etc.). But it’s true that writers are actually one of the most difficult sectors to organize. I don’t know why.

And so with no funding and a huge dose of indifference from the community that it is trying to serve, the Guild eventually slipped into hibernation.

And now, other people are speaking up for us. Lawmakers have filed bills that directly affect our work. Organizations with various business interests are sprouting everywhere trying to make a profit through the writers and our work. That’s not really a problem as long as the freelance writers are paid fairly. But who is going to see to that?

I do wonder though, in all honesty, when we are going to finally care enough about our craft, industry, and livelihood to actually do something FOR it. I mean other than sit around and wait for the next job posting. When are we going to make real efforts to professionalize the practice so that we can finally receive the respect (and the pay) that we rightfully deserve?

We have another opportunity to do this on March 14 at the UNITE! event in UP Solair. The Guild is doing this with the international trade union federation, UNI Global Union-Asia & Pacific. This event is by invitation, but there will be updates (and possibly live streaming) that all concerned freelance writers should watch out for.

There was an effort to work with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) through the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) back in 2016. But that did not work out. I hope that this time, we will be able to accomplish something good.

AIMEE MORALESFWGP President / Founder

]]>https://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/2019/03/03/freelance-writers-seminar/feed/0fwgpblogfwgp seminar SOLAIRTalks on Small Claims Court and Contractshttps://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/2018/09/02/talks-on-small-claims-court-and-contracts/
https://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/2018/09/02/talks-on-small-claims-court-and-contracts/#respondSun, 02 Sep 2018 16:11:30 +0000http://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/?p=93Continue reading Talks on Small Claims Court and Contracts]]>The Freelance Writers’ Guild of the Philippines (FWGP) announces the second part of its legal seminar. Last August 18, Atty. Alvin Alburo conducted a seminar on Intellectual Property Rights at the ISIS International Center at Marunong Street, Quezon City. (note: ISIS stands for the Egyptian goddess, not the terrorist group!)

On Sept. 8, Atty. Alburi will talk on Small Claims Court and Contracts. These two topics are very important for freelance writers. The seminar will be held at the Trimona Cafe, Anonas Ext., Quezon City.

]]>https://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/2018/09/02/talks-on-small-claims-court-and-contracts/feed/0ashleyjamalseminar poster 2ACode of Ethics for Bloggers, Social Media and Content Creatorshttps://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/26/code-of-ethics-for-bloggers-social-media-and-content-creators/
https://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/26/code-of-ethics-for-bloggers-social-media-and-content-creators/#respondTue, 26 Jun 2018 13:10:32 +0000http://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/?p=84Continue reading Code of Ethics for Bloggers, Social Media and Content Creators]]>Some time ago, some pro-Duterte bloggers were invited to a Senate committee hearing. And they kept on repeating that they were bloggers, not journalists and so were not restrained by any ethical behavior, or something to that effect. And since most of the senators are not very knowledgeable in Internet and Communication / Media Studies, most of them agreed.

All human behavior can be subjected to moral, ethical or even legal standards. What many of the pro-government bloggers, FB page administrator/owners, and even paid trolls do is something against moral, ethical and even legal standards. In fact, some of the senators could and should sue some of these bloggers for libel.

Many groups and individuals have proposed and practice Code of Ethics for Bloggers, usually patterned after the code of ethics for journalists. The website MOR10: Thinking Out Loud About the Internetposted a Code of Ethics for Bloggers, Social Media and Content Creators. We are re-posting it here as we think bloggers, Social Media and Internet Content Creators, including freelance writers, of course, should take the principles here into serious consideration.

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As an Online Content Creator – whether it be as a blogger, a video blogger, a podcaster, a microblogger or a general social media participant – you are an important part of the wider public knowledge creation and discussion. This role carries with it a responsibility to be fair, honest and respectful not only toward your fellow members of society but also toward fact. The content you create today will more than likely outlast both the content’s relevance and your own lifetime and it is of vital importance that it be a truthful representation of the topic at hand not only for those who access it today but for those who access it in the distant future. Above all else your job as a Content Creator is to present fact as fact and opinion as opinion. To this end I have created a Blogger and Content Creator’s Code of Ethics that outlines the ethical guidelines any and all Content Creators should go by when publishing material of any sort for public consumption. The Blogger and Content Creator’s Code of Ethics is closely based on the Code of Ethics for the Norwegian Press published by the Norwegian Press Association and adhered to by all members of the Norwegian press.

This is a work in progress. Please submit your comments, questions, suggestions and edits in the comments below and I will apply them as time allows.

Short Version

1. It is your right to voice your opinion. Freedom of Speech, Information, Publication and Expression are basic elements of a democracy. As a Content Creator it is your obligation to use and protect these rights at all times.

2. Be critical of everything, even your self. As a Content Creator you are part of the creation of free knowledge creation and discussion. It is your obligation to shed critical light on what goes on in society as well as how Content Creators, including your self, are presenting these events.

3. Use your power to protect. As a Content Creator you can shine a light on injustices and neglect perpetrated on individuals and groups. Use this power wisely.

4. Tell the truth at all times. With great power comes great responsibility. Words and images are powerful weapons that should be used with the utmost care. When publishing content, present the facts as they are, even if you disagree with them.

5. Present your opinion as your opinion. Your opinion and interpretation of events is important and should be shared but must never be confused with hard facts or data. When voicing your own or someone else’s opinion or interpretation, always state it as such. Never present opinion, interpretation or conjecture as fact.

6. State your allegiances to stay independent. To preserve your own trustworthiness and integrity as a Content Creator, always state any relation, financial, personal, political or otherwise, to the subject or topic you are presenting. Bias, even if it is only perceived as such, immediately discredits your account unless you warn of it first. In simple terms; if you have a political affiliation that colours your judgment, say so; if you are employed by or received money from the subject you are covering, say so; if you were given gifts or preferential treatment in return for a positive review or commentary, say so. By stating these facts of allegiance your opinions gain informational value that would otherwise be lost in suspicion of bias.

7. Reveal your sources unless doing so can harm your sources. Always reveal your sources to ensure transparency unless doing so may put the source in harms way. In ensuring transparency you lend credibility to your own content as well as provide others to further pursue the facts of the matter.

8. Be critical of your sources and seek independent verification. Even if you are ethical and unbiased there is no guarantee your sources are. Before presenting information as fact, always check your source’s credibility and seek independent verification of these facts. If none can be found, state so clearly.

9. Always give credit where credit is due. Give proper attribution when using, quoting or basing your content on the work of others. In other words present quotes as quotes, link to original articles, give photo and illustration credit to the original creator etc.

10. Always preserve the intended meaning of a given statement. When quoting or paraphrasing a statement always ensure that the intended meaning is communicated. Never edit or change a statement in such a way that the intended meaning is changed.

11. Give your opponent a chance to respond. The very foundation of an open discussion is to give either side an opportunity to voice their opinion. Always provide an opportunity for your opponent to present the case of the opposing side.

12. Admit and correct your mistakes immediately. When an inaccuracy or error in your content is discovered by you or someone else, correct it immediately and announce that you have done so to ensure that those who base their opinions and other content creation on the incorrect information have a chance to make corrections as well. It is your duty to uphold the truth and present fact even if that means admitting you were wrong.

Long Version

1. The Role of the Bloggers and Online Content Creators in Society

1.1. Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Information and Freedom of Content Creation, Publication and Expression, whether in print, in hypertext, in audio or video are basic elements of a democracy. The ability to produce and distribute independent content is among the most important rights in a democratic society.

1.2. Content Creators have important functions in that they carry information, debate and critical commentary on current affairs. Content Creators are particularly responsible for allowing different and independent views to be expressed.

1.3. Content Creators shall protect the freedom of speech, the freedom of Content Creation and the principle of access to any and all information that pertains to the public. They cannot yield to any pressure from anybody who might want to prevent open debates, the free flow of information and free access to sources. Agreements concerning exclusive event reporting shall not preclude independent news reporting.

1.4. It is the right of any Content Creator to carry information on what goes on in society and to uncover and disclose matters, which ought to be subjected to criticism. It is a Content Creator obligation to shed critical light on how Content Creators including individuals, the established press, media in general and themselves exercise their role.

1.5. As citizens and members of a free and democratic society Content Creators have an obligation to to protect individuals and groups against injustices or neglect, committed by public authorities and institutions, private concerns, or others.

2. Integrity and Responsibility

2.1. The Content Creator carries personal and full responsibility for the material contained in the publication, no matter the form.

2.2. All Content Creators must guard their own integrity and credibility in order to be free to act independently of any persons or groups who – for ideological, economic or other reasons – might want to exercise an influence over editorial matters.

2.3. When accepting commissions or offices, financial support, gifts, preferential treatment or employment that create or could be perceived as creating conflicts of interest or bias in relation to content creation it is the obligation of the Content Creator to make such relations known in such a way that those who access the content are aware of potential conflicts or biases. Be open on matters that could influence the Content Creator’s credibility as an independent observer.

2.4. Reject any attempt to break down the clear distinction between advertisements and independent, unbiased content. Advertisements intended to imitate or exploit an editorial product, should be turned down, as should advertisements undermining trust in the Content Creator’s integrity and the independence of Content Creators in general.

2.5. Never promise editorial favours in return for advertisements. As an Independent Content Creator all materials should be published as a result of editorial considerations alone. See to it that the vital distinction between independent content creation and commercial communication is being maintained when publishing web links.

2.6. When sponsorship or relationships to the subject matter affect content creation, the Content Creator is no longer an independent observer but an active participant in the subject matter. This must be communicated to those that access the content in a clear and objective manner.

3. Content Creator Conduct and Relations with the Sources

3.1. The source of information must, as a rule, be identified, unless this conflicts with source protection or consideration for a third party.

3.2. Be critical in the choice of sources, and make sure that the information provided is correct. It is good press practice to aim for diversity and relevance in the choice of sources. If anonymous sources are used, or the publication is offered exclusivity, especially stringent requirements must be imposed on the critical evaluation of the sources. Particular caution should be exercised when dealing with information from anonymous sources, information from sources offering exclusivity, and information provided from sources in return for payment.

3.3. The Content Creator should always clarify the terms on which an interview is being carried out. This also pertains to adjacent research.

3.4. The protection of sources is a basic principle in a free society and is a prerequisite for the ability of the Content Creators to fulfil their duties towards society and ensure the access to essential information.

3.5. Do not divulge the name of a person who has provided information on a confidential basis, unless consent has been explicitly given by the person concerned.

3.6. In consideration of the sources and the independence of Content Creators, unpublished material as a main rule should not be divulged to third parties.

3.7. It is the duty of Content Creators to report the intended meaning in quotes from an interview. Direct quotes must be accurate and interpretations must be stated as such.

3.8. Changes of a given statement should be limited to corrections of factual errors. The intended meaning of given statements must be communicated as intended by the source.

3.9. Proceed tactfully in journalistic research. In particular show consideration for people who cannot be expected to be aware of the effect that their statements may have. Never abuse the emotions or feeling of other people, their ignorance or their lack of judgment. Remember that people in shock or grief are more vulnerable than others.

4. Publication Rules

4.1. Make plain what is factual information and what is comment.

4.2. Always respect a person’s character and identity, privacy, race, nationality and belief. Never draw attention to personal or private aspects if they are irrelevant.

4.3. Make sure that headlines, introductions and leads do not go beyond what is being related in the text.

4.4. Always reveal your source when the information is quoted from or based on other content creators including the general media.

4.5. In particular avoid presumption of guilt in crime and court reporting. Make it evident that the question of guilt, whether relating to somebody under suspicion, reported, accused or charged, has not been decided until the sentence has legal efficacy. It is a part of good press conduct to report the final result of court proceedings, which have been reported earlier.

4.6. Always consider how reports on accidents and crime may affect the victims and next-of-kin of both victims and the accused. Do not identify victims or missing persons unless next-of-kin have been informed. Show consideration towards people in grief or at times of shock.

4.7. Be cautious in the use of names and photographs and other clear identifiers of persons in referring to contentious or punishable matters. Special caution should be exercised when reporting cases at the early stage of investigation, cases concerning young offenders and cases in which an identifying report may place an unreasonable burden on a third party. Identification must be founded on a legitimate need for information. It may, for instance, be legitimate to identify someone where there is imminent danger of assault on defenceless individuals, in the case of serious and repeated crimes, if the identity or social position of the subject is patently relevant to the case being reported on, or where identification protects the innocent from exposure to unjustified suspicion.

4.8. Reporting on children, it is considered good press conduct to assess the implications that media focusing could cause in each case. This also pertains when the person in charge or parent, has agreed to exposure. As a general rule the identity of children should not be disclosed in reports on family disputes or cases under consideration by the childcare authorities or by the courts.

4.9. When using photos, graphics, illustrations, video, audio or any other type of content always credit the original creator.

4.10. Exercise caution when using photos in any other context than the original.

4.11. Protect the credibility of the journalistic photograph. Photos used as documentation must not be altered in a way that creates a false impression. Manipulated photos can only be accepted as illustrations if it is evident that it in actual fact is a picture collage.

4.12. The use of pictures must comply with the same requirements of caution as for a written or oral presentation.

4.13. Incorrect information must be corrected and, when called for, an apology given, as soon as possible.

4.14. Those who have been subjected to strong accusations shall, if possible, have the opportunity to simultaneous reply as regards factual information. Debates, criticism and dissemination of news must not be hampered by parties being unwilling to make comments or take part in the debate.

4.15. Those who have been the subject of an attack shall have the chance to reply at the earliest opportunity, unless the attack and criticism are part of a running exchange of views. Any reply should be of reasonable length, be pertinent to the matter and seemly in its form. The reply can be refused if the party in question has rejected, without an objective reason, an offer of presenting a contemporaneous rejoinder on the same issue. Replies and contributions to the debate should not be accompanied by polemic editorial comment.

4.16. Beware that digital publication pointers and links could bring you to other electronic media that do not comply with the Ethical Code. See to it that links to other media or publications are clearly marked. It is considered good press conduct to inform the users of interactive services on how the publication registers you, and possibly exploits your use of the services.

]]>https://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/2018/06/26/code-of-ethics-for-bloggers-social-media-and-content-creators/feed/0codeofethics2fwgpblogcode of ethics bannert in wood typeWhat is a Journalist ?https://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/2016/07/08/what-is-a-journalist/
https://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/2016/07/08/what-is-a-journalist/#respondFri, 08 Jul 2016 07:36:27 +0000http://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/?p=58Continue reading What is a Journalist ?]]>

by Jamal Ashley Abbas

I am reading “Crime & Punishment: Killing of Filipino Journalists” by the Asian Institute of Journalism & Communication. Accdg to Dr. Florangel Rosario-Braid: “In today’s mediated (and multi-channel) world, it may no longer suffice to define who the journalist is but WHAT he or she does. A journalist is one committed to the standards of the journalism profession including a code of ethics. The work ethic includes multi-sourcing, confirmation and verification of facts and fair, balanced and objective reporting. The journalist’s primary responsibility is to serve the public and help build or strengthen the democratic architecture of society.”

When the killing of journalists with impunity in the Philippines came into the limelight, a lot of so-called experts said that most of those killed were actually not journalists. While they were broadcasters, they were not journalists in the sense of reporting or analyzing news. They were hired by politicians or businessmen who bought airtime to promote their interests or attack their enemies. Others said that most of these so-called broadcast journalists could not be called journalists because they were not hired by radio and TV stations or networks but by block time producers.

For me, whether journalists or not, they did not deserve to be killed with impunity. If they slandered or libeled anyone, then the aggrieved party or parties can have recourse to the Courts.

But I totally agree with Dr. Rosario-Braid’s definition. It is high time to restrict the term journalist to those who deserve to be called such.

Unfortunately, with this definition, very, very few can be called journalists – be they beat reporters, columnists, editors, broadcasters, etc.

MY EXPERIENCE

Some years ago, I submitted a news article on a bombing in Mindanao. I was surprised when the editor turned it down saying it was already written by a mainstream online publication. To my shock, my report and the other online article had almost identical titles! (What are the odds in that happening?) But after reading their news report, I told my editor that our reports were totally different .

The other article had one source – the military – and a quote from Malacanang praising the military for a job well done. It contained factual errors. As a result, it was not balanced and not fair.

My report had several sources – the military, the police, the mother and relatives of the suspects, witnesses, and the regional Commission on Human Rights (CHR)representative. My facts were correct as verified by all the sources. Thus, it was more balanced and fair than the other report. The other report showed an open and shut case — there was a bombing, suspects were arrested and would be charged in court. Govt officials praised the military for a job well done. Period. My report showed that the case was wide open. There was a bombing. The military rounded up people with no warrants. The suspects had alibis that were easily corroborated. The suspects were held incommunicado — no visitors or lawyers for them. And the suspects’ relatives went to the CHR to file file charges against the military.

My editor relented and agreed to print it the following day.

I can’t forget this news article because of the weird coincidence of our titles being almost identical. And it was the one and only piece that I wrote that almost did not get published. It was a good thing that I followed a high standard of journalism while the other writer did not. Even freelance writers can be journalists.

]]>https://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/2016/07/08/what-is-a-journalist/feed/0fwgpblogstop-killing-journalsitsHow much should I charge for writing this?https://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/2016/03/19/how-much-should-i-charge-for-writing-this/
https://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/2016/03/19/how-much-should-i-charge-for-writing-this/#respondSat, 19 Mar 2016 14:08:11 +0000http://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/?p=52Continue reading How much should I charge for writing this?]]>by Ime Morales

Ever since FWGP was established in 2011/2012, this has been the single most common question writers ask me. Even writers who have been writing professionally for many years would send a note and ask, “How much should I charge for writing website copy?” Or text for a newsletter, a brochure, a press release, and so on. There is nothing wrong with asking—I understand that. But what gets my goat every time is when someone gives incomplete details and expects me to give a good answer.

It shows a lack of understanding about an important aspect of your work

Freelance writers worth their salt should know that before one can come up with proper costing, there are several factors to be considered:

Who is the client? (You can give discounts to NGOs, family or friends, small firms, etc.)

How long will it take you to finish the work? (How fast do you work?)

What is your hourly rate as a professional? (How good are you?)

Does it involve research (what kind of research?), interviews, meetings with clients, etc? (Include your fee for time spent on these, plus allowances for transportation/food.)

How long will it take before you get full payment? (A client who can pay in 2 weeks should not be charged the same amount as someone who will take six months to pay.)

These are just the basic stuff. I would also consider my professional relationship with a client. If he or she is easy to work with, doesn’t give me the run-around when it’s payment time, is nice and polite to me, et cetera, then I definitely give discounts.

So you see, whenever you need to come up with a price for a newsletter, for instance, don’t think that there is a standard cost for all newsletter projects. That doesn’t exist. Each project needs to be treated (and priced) differently, depending on unique factors.

A quick formula

All things being equal, however, a general formula would go something like this:

Number of hours spent working x Writer’s hourly rate = Net cost

The hourly rate is different for every writer, depending on skill, seniority, genre, etc. Offhand, I’d say freelance writers shouldn’t accept an hourly rate of less than Php 63. This can climb up to Php 5,000 per hour for veteran freelancers.

]]>https://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/2016/03/19/how-much-should-i-charge-for-writing-this/feed/0fwgpbloghourlyrate-thumbWhat It Means To Be A Freelance Writer For A Livinghttps://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/2016/03/15/what-it-means-to-be-a-freelance-writer-for-a-living/
https://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/2016/03/15/what-it-means-to-be-a-freelance-writer-for-a-living/#respondTue, 15 Mar 2016 14:39:56 +0000http://fwgpblog.wordpress.com/?p=15Continue reading What It Means To Be A Freelance Writer For A Living]]>by Anna Agoncillo

As soon as the clock strikes 7 AM, I will immediately get up from my bed and dash to my Acer laptop. I answer several emails and research about the topics that I am going to write on that day. I consider myself blessed to be able to wake up every day and do something I deem as fulfilling and meaningful. That fulfilling and meaningful job is none other than Writing. I am a freelance writer who works from home, much like most of you.

I was not always a freelance writer. I worked a full-time job at the office and quit in the pursuit of other endeavors. Yes! It was scary to swim into the bowels of the unknown but, I used my sufficient knowledge and available resources to continue on. I started writing “psychological” posts on my personal blog – Miss Psychobabble. Eventually, I moved on to writing for a local wedding magazine and international websites. Time and effort had given me the opportunity to pursue my childhood dream of becoming an author.

Last 2014, I released an e-book entitled “Psychology of Love, Money, & Life”. Paved by the modern technology, my book is available at Amazon Kindle, Google Play Books, Kobo, Apple IBooks, and M1 Learning Centre. It feels good to accomplish something that you worked hard for. I dedicated my book to the people that matter most to me.

Writing changed my life in ways I could never have imagined! It allowed me to inspire others and to pursue international opportunities. That said, here are my take on what it means to become a freelance writer:

FLEXIBLE HOURS

Being able to have a flexible timetable gives you the opportunity to spend more time for the people and the activities you love. Setting your own working hours helps you go out for private errands during lunch, go to your family’s school presentations, and go to fun reunions. However, you must set an expected number of hours of work to ensure that time is managed and work is done even if there is no fix structure.

BRINGING MEANING TO THE OTHERS

Storytelling has many benefits, including putting events in a cohesive framework, associating emotions with the events, remembering the events better, focusing on the vital details, and improving your memory in general. Discover what makes life worth living and inspire others through your unique thoughts.

DOING WHAT YOU LOVE

It is a sad truth that many people drag themselves to work every single day to do something they are not fond of just to get enough money to survive. As a writer, I am able to do something that I am extremely passionate about and get paid for it.

Writing gave me a will, a purpose, and a voice. What more can I ask for?

FWGP members raising their hands to affirm their commitment to give part of their time to the group

The Freelance Writers’ Guild of the Philippines’ (FWGP’s) general assembly this year called for a revitalization of the writers’ group and asked for a stronger commitment from the members. The assembly was held at Xanland Place, Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City on Jan. 17, 2016.

Founder and President Imelda “Ime” Morales opened the meeting with a summary of the operations of the group since its creation in 2011. FWGP EXECOM Officer Beverly Wico Sy gave a rundown of the various issues currently facing FWGP and freelance writers, in general.

SEO and Outsourcing consultant Bingo Ventura invited the group to consider doing writing ventures with his consulting firm.

Ms. Beverly Wico Siy

The members divided themselves into various committees and discussed the agenda for the coming year.